A Good Read
For those of us who love Historical Fiction this is a good, richly detailed story about Catherine the Great. The author lets you "see" the events of Catherine's life and does very well insetting mood and character. Written in the 1st person it was a little offsetting at first but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Rated of 5
by Angela S. (Hartland, MI)
Wonderful blend of history and fiction.
The Winter Palace was a delight to read. The characters are well written, so that the reader finds themselves rooting for, or against them. The book is also a wonderful mix of history and fiction, and it is never boring. It would certainly appeal to readers of historical fictions, especially the history of Russia and it's fascinating leaders. As many readers will say, it was the kind of book I did not want to put down, yet also did not want it to end!
Rated of 5
by Annette S. (Duluth, GA)
The Winter Palace
The Winter Palace is a wonderful historical fiction novel about an exceptional woman, Catherine the Great of Russia. Catherine was an extraordinary woman in many ways especially when making judgments and in her political courage. This is a very readable book and the reader has a great opportunity to see into the everyday life of Catherine as she grew from a young woman of 14 until she ascended the throne as Empress of All Russias. The book is extensively researched and portrays Catherine a a woman ahead of her time. She was widely popular and fiercely ambitious. A fascinating book about the lavish and byzantine lives along with the intrigues, gossip, rumors and treachery that flourished in the courts of Russia. I look forward to Eva Stachniak's next book, The Empire of the Night, which will continue the story of this remarkable woman.
Rated of 5
by Florence K. (Encino, California)
Winter Palace
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Winter Palace. The author's clever use of a young Polish commoner. Varvara, to be the eyes and ears of both Empress Elizabeth and her nephew's wife Catherine and to divulge what went on in royal Russian chambers was a fascinating way to describe the spying, the lying, the crying, the betrayals of that time and place. Catherine had to overcome a myriad of obstacles: an unmaternal mother, a loveless marriage to Grand Duke Peter, an indolent and childlike disinterested bridegroom, and pressure to produce an heir. The book was well researched and crisply written. I'm looking forward to reading the author's sequel about the mature Catherine on the Russian throne.
Rated of 5
by Barbara S. (Glen Ellyn, Illinois)
The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak
THE WINTER PALACE, a novel of Catherine the Great of Russia by Eva Stachniak is a very detailed picture of the Russian Court during the 1700’s. Their lives were harsh, complicated, yet fascinating. The book begins in 1743 when Catherine arrives at the Russian court as a princess from Germany. Eva Stachniak has beautifully described the intrigues of the Russian Court and Catherine’s journey to Empress of Russia. This book was enthralling – cover to cover.
Rated of 5
by Marie D. (Waretown, NJ)
Life as a royal — a life filled with intrique!
I looked forward to reading The Winter Palace especially since I have wonderful recollections of my visit to St. Petersburg in 2009. Vivid memories of the Winter Palace/Hermitage and Catherine’s “summer” palace at Oranienbaum created a sense of place as I read the book. I could “see” the vista of the Neva River, the Great Perspective Road. My issue with the book, so well crafted and filled with fascinating details, was my need to really know what was fact and what was fiction. The Winter Palace was a great read – now I intend to follow up on the life of Catherine in the history aisle! Are there Varenkas — or “tongues” at work in high places today? I would say very likely. Does power corrupt? You betcha! Ms. Stachniak must tell us “the rest of the story” in a sequel.
Rated of 5
by Leslie G. (Mililani, HI)
Gripping tale of intrigue and drama in the Russian court
I was completely drawn in by the characters in the drama of daily life in this decadent and luxurious court. It was hard to put this down even though I didn't want it to end. As a German from Russia, it became clearer as to why there are so many Katrina, Katrine, Catharines in the family tree. I particularly liked that the story was "narrated" by a commoner that became one of Catherine's most trusted confidants. This book would appeal most to those drawn to historical fiction full of intrigue and suspense. It would also be a great book club selection as there is so much to discuss. Looking forward to the next book already.
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of 5
by Karin D. (Glendale, AZ)
